Bloodstains can be tricky to remove from most surfaces, especially those that are porous, like concrete. In addition to making sure you stay safe as you clean, it's important to use the right processes, tools, and products to make sure the job is done properly. If you need to clean a bloodstain from concrete outside your home, follow these steps.
How to Clean Fresh Blood From Concrete
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Step 1: Blot to Soak Up Wet Blood
If the blood on your concrete has not yet dried, you will likely be able to remove most of it before it creates a deeper stain. After putting on gloves to prevent the potential spread of any blood-borne pathogens, dampen a cleaning cloth and gently blot the bloody spot.
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Step 2: Saturate the Area With Water and Add Sodium Peroxide
Put on safety goggles, a respirator, chemical-resistant gloves, and protective clothing and use a spray bottle filled with water to dampen the blood-stained area. Next sprinkle the area with a thin layer of sodium peroxide. Be careful to avoid inhaling sodium peroxide, getting it in your eyes, or touching it with your bare skin as it can cause serious issues. Add water to the sodium peroxide using a spray bottle and let it sit for five to 10 minutes.
Warning
Carefully read and follow the manufacturer's directions for safe use, storage, and disposal of sodium peroxide.
Step 3: Rinse and Scrub the Area
Rinse the area thoroughly. If any sodium peroxide is left on the concrete, it's likely the surface will be damaged or stained by the chemical. After the area has been rinsed, scrub it vigorously with a wire-bristle cleaning brush. Once you're done scrubbing, rinse the area again with fresh water.
Step 4: Add Vinegar
Vinegar is a neutralizing agent, and when you add it to the once-bloody area, it will neutralize any remaining sodium peroxide and prevent chemical damage to your concrete. Let the vinegar sit on your stained area for five to 10 minutes before giving it a final rinse with fresh water.
How to Clean Dried Blood From Concrete
Step 1: Scrub Dried Blood With a Wire-Bristle Brush
If the blood on your concrete has already dried or if a stain remains after blotting up the wet blood spot, put on protective gloves and tackle the area with a wire-bristle brush. Because concrete is tough (and bloodstains are as well), you'll first want to dry scrub the spot vigorously without adding any cleaning agents.
Step 2: Sweep Up Any Particles
Use a hand broom to sweep up the particles. Be sure to have a trash bag or trash can handy since you won't want to have to carry a full dustpan across your yard or garage.
Step 3: Remove the Blood Stain With Hydrogen Peroxide
If you still have a stain on your concrete, treat it by dousing the area with hydrogen peroxide and let it sit for about 15 minutes before mopping the area with a wet cloth. While stains often resolve after a single application of hydrogen peroxide, you may need to repeat this step several times for stains that are deeply set.
Step 4: Rinse the Area Clean
When the stain has resolved, simply rinse the area clean of hydrogen peroxide using a garden hose or bucket of water. After the area dries, your concrete should appear stain-free and as good as new.